IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe A Dish You Like To Prepare” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề về món ăn và nấu nướng là một trong những đề tài phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Speaking, đặc biệt là câu hỏi “Describe A Dish You Like To Prepare”. Đây không chỉ là chủ đề gần gũi với cuộc sống hàng ngày mà còn cho phép bạn thể hiện khả năng mô tả quá trình, giải thích lý do và chia sẻ cảm xúc một cách tự nhiên.

Theo thống kê từ các trung tâm luyện thi IELTS, chủ đề Food & Cooking xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi từ 2020 đến 2024, đặc biệt trong quý 1 và quý 3 hàng năm. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính universal và khả năng khai thác đa dạng của đề tài này.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part, bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm từ 6 đến 9, từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm, chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả cùng lời khuyên từ góc nhìn của một Examiner chính thức. Những kiến thức này sẽ giúp bạn tự tin xử lý mọi câu hỏi liên quan đến cooking và food preparation trong phòng thi.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking thường kéo dài từ 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày. Đặc điểm quan trọng nhất của Part này là tính tự nhiên và khả năng mở rộng ý một cách logic. Bạn nên trả lời mỗi câu hỏi trong khoảng 2-3 câu, bao gồm câu trả lời trực tiếp, lý do hoặc giải thích, và một ví dụ cụ thể.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1 bao gồm việc trả lời quá ngắn gọn chỉ với Yes/No, sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản và lặp đi lặp lại, thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân, và có xu hướng dùng cấu trúc câu đơn giản không đa dạng. Điều này khiến điểm Fluency & Coherence cũng như Lexical Resource bị hạn chế ở mức 5-6.

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you like cooking?

Question 2: Who usually cooks in your family?

Question 3: What kind of food do you like to cook?

Question 4: Did you learn to cook when you were younger?

Question 5: Do you think cooking is an important skill?

Question 6: Would you like to learn more cooking skills in the future?

Question 7: Do you prefer cooking at home or eating out?

Question 8: What was the last dish you cooked?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Do you like cooking?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời Yes/No một cách rõ ràng
• Đưa ra lý do cụ thể tại sao thích hoặc không thích
• Thêm ví dụ về món ăn hoặc tình huống thực tế

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I like cooking. It’s relaxing for me after a long day at work. I usually cook simple dishes like fried rice or pasta because they are easy and quick to make.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có lý do (relaxing), có ví dụ cụ thể (fried rice, pasta)
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (simple, easy, quick), cấu trúc câu đơn giản, thiếu chi tiết về cảm xúc hoặc trải nghiệm sâu hơn
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời adequate và relevant nhưng vocabulary và grammar chưa sophisticated, fluency tốt nhưng chưa có những pauses tự nhiên hoặc self-correction của người nói thành thạo

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Absolutely! I’m actually quite passionate about cooking. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about the whole process, from selecting fresh ingredients at the market to watching everything come together in the pan. I find it’s a wonderful way to unwind after a hectic day, and it gives me a real sense of accomplishment when I create something delicious from scratch.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng từ vựng tinh vi (passionate about, therapeutic, unwind, hectic, accomplishment, from scratch), cấu trúc câu phức tạp (there’s something… about, from… to…), thể hiện cảm xúc và suy nghĩ sâu sắc về cooking như một hoạt động có ý nghĩa
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency tự nhiên với discourse marker “Absolutely”, vocabulary precise và idiomatic, grammar đa dạng với gerunds và complex noun phrases, pronunciation được giả định là clear với appropriate intonation

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• passionate about (something): say mê, đam mê điều gì đó
• therapeutic: có tác dụng thư giãn, chữa lành về mặt tinh thần
• unwind: thư giãn, xả stress
• hectic day: ngày bận rộn, căng thẳng
• sense of accomplishment: cảm giác hoàn thành, tự hào về thành quả
• from scratch: từ đầu, không dùng đồ có sẵn

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Question: What kind of food do you like to cook?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu loại món ăn cụ thể (cuisine hoặc dish type)
• Giải thích tại sao thích nấu loại món đó
• Có thể đề cập đến level of difficulty hoặc occasions

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I like cooking Vietnamese food, especially pho and spring rolls. These dishes are traditional in my country and my family likes them. Sometimes I also cook Italian pasta when I want to try something different.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có ví dụ cụ thể (pho, spring rolls, pasta), đề cập đến lý do (traditional, family likes)
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary repetitive (like xuất hiện 2 lần), thiếu descriptive adjectives, câu văn ngắn và đơn giản, chưa thể hiện personal preference rõ ràng
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates ideas nhưng lacks sophistication trong expression và range of vocabulary

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I’m particularly drawn to Asian fusion dishes because they allow me to be quite creative and experiment with flavors. I love combining traditional Vietnamese ingredients like lemongrass and fish sauce with Western cooking techniques. My signature dish would probably be a Vietnamese-style grilled salmon with a tangy tamarind glaze. It’s become such a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings that people actually request it now.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary sophisticated (drawn to, experiment with, signature dish, tangy, glaze, crowd-pleaser), grammar complex với relative clauses và that-clauses, ideas personal và specific với concrete example, shows personality và cooking philosophy
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Natural fluency với appropriate linking (because, with, that), precise vocabulary về cooking và flavors, complex sentence structures flow naturally, demonstrates depth of thought về personal cooking style

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• be drawn to (something): bị thu hút bởi, thích cái gì đó
• experiment with flavors: thử nghiệm với các hương vị
• signature dish: món ăn đặc trưng, món ăn đánh dấu của một người
• tangy: vị chua nhẹ, chua thanh
• glaze: nước sốt đặc phủ lên món ăn
• crowd-pleaser: món ăn được nhiều người yêu thích

Học viên IELTS luyện tập trả lời câu hỏi về món ăn yêu thích trong bài thi Speaking

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Question: Do you think cooking is an important skill?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra quan điểm rõ ràng (Yes/No/Depends)
• Giải thích lý do với ít nhất 2 points
• Có thể đưa ra ví dụ hoặc contrast

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think cooking is very important. First, it helps us save money because eating out is expensive. Second, home-cooked food is usually healthier than restaurant food. So everyone should learn how to cook.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Structure rõ ràng với First/Second, có 2 reasons logic (save money, healthier)
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (very important, expensive, healthier), thiếu elaboration cho mỗi point, conclusion đơn giản, chưa có nuance hoặc exceptions
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas relevant và organized nhưng development limited, language functional nhưng not sophisticated

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Absolutely, I’d say it’s an essential life skill that everyone should possess. From a practical standpoint, being able to prepare your own meals gives you complete control over what you’re consuming, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially in today’s world where processed foods are so prevalent. Beyond that, though, cooking is also about self-sufficiency and independence. I think there’s something quite empowering about not having to rely on takeaways or restaurants for every meal. Plus, it can be a wonderful way to bond with family and preserve cultural traditions through recipes passed down through generations.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary advanced và precise (essential life skill, practical standpoint, self-sufficiency, empowering, prevalent, bond with, preserve), grammar sophisticated với complex structures (being able to…, especially in today’s world where…, about not having to…), ideas multi-dimensional (health, independence, culture), demonstrates critical thinking với “Beyond that, though”
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fully extended answer với multiple well-developed ideas, natural use of discourse markers, vocabulary precise và contextually appropriate, shows ability to discuss abstract concepts (empowerment, cultural preservation)

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• essential life skill: kỹ năng sống thiết yếu
• from a practical standpoint: từ góc độ thực tế
• complete control over: kiểm soát hoàn toàn
• processed foods: thực phẩm chế biến sẵn
• prevalent: phổ biến, lan rộng
• self-sufficiency: khả năng tự túc
• empowering: trao quyền, mang lại sự tự tin
• bond with family: gắn kết với gia đình
• preserve cultural traditions: bảo tồn truyền thống văn hóa

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại dài kéo dài từ 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và ghi chú. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói liên tục và phát triển ý tưởng một cách có tổ chức. Examiner sẽ không ngắt lời bạn trong suốt thời gian này.

Chiến lược hiệu quả nhất là sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị để ghi chú keywords cho mỗi bullet point, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Bạn nên nói đủ 2 phút, tối thiểu là 1 phút 30 giây, và đảm bảo trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points. Khi kể về món ăn, thường sử dụng thì hiện tại để mô tả công thức và quá trình, nhưng có thể dùng quá khứ khi kể về lần đầu học hoặc kỷ niệm liên quan.

Lỗi thường gặp nhất của học viên Việt Nam là không tận dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, nói dưới 1 phút 30 giây, bỏ sót một số bullet points, và đặc biệt là phần “explain” cuối cùng thường bị trả lời qua loa. Hãy nhớ rằng câu “And explain…” là phần quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao vì nó đòi hỏi sự phân tích và thể hiện cảm xúc sâu sắc.

Cue Card

Describe a dish you like to prepare

You should say:

• What the dish is
• How you learned to prepare it
• What ingredients you need
• And explain why you like preparing this dish

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an object/activity – kết hợp giữa mô tả món ăn và hoạt động nấu nướng
• Thì động từ: Chủ yếu dùng hiện tại đơn (present simple) để mô tả món ăn và quy trình, có thể dùng quá khứ đơn (past simple) khi kể về việc học nấu món này
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Bullet 1: Tên món ăn và đặc điểm cơ bản
  • Bullet 2: Nguồn gốc học nấu (từ ai, khi nào, như thế nào)
  • Bullet 3: Nguyên liệu cần thiết (có thể group theo categories)
  • Bullet 4 (explain): Đây là phần QUAN TRỌNG NHẤT – cần phân tích nhiều góc độ như personal attachment, benefits, feelings, memories
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần này là cơ hội để bạn đạt điểm cao bằng cách thể hiện vocabulary about emotions, abstract thinking, và khả năng elaborate ideas. Đừng chỉ nói “because it’s delicious” mà hãy đi sâu vào feelings, memories, cultural significance, health benefits, hoặc personal development.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

Well, I’d like to talk about spring rolls, which is a popular dish in Vietnam. It’s a kind of fresh roll with vegetables and meat inside.

I learned to make this dish from my mother about three years ago. She showed me the steps and I practiced many times until I could make it well. At first, it was difficult because the rice paper breaks easily, but now I’m quite good at it.

For the ingredients, I need rice paper, which is the most important thing. Then I need some vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, and herbs. I also use cooked shrimp and pork. The dipping sauce is made from fish sauce, sugar, lime, and chili.

I like preparing this dish for several reasons. First, it’s very healthy because it has lots of vegetables and is not fried. Second, it’s quite easy to make once you know how. Third, my family really enjoys eating it, especially in summer when it’s hot. It makes me happy when they say it’s delicious. Also, it reminds me of the time I spent with my mother learning to cook. So this is definitely my favorite dish to prepare.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có sequencing rõ ràng (First, Second, Third), sử dụng một số linking words cơ bản (but, because, also), tuy nhiên còn một số hesitations và repetitions (I need… I also use…). Flow tương đối smooth nhưng chưa completely natural.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate cho topic (rice paper, dipping sauce, herbs) nhưng còn basic. Có một số collocations đúng (practiced many times, reminds me of) nhưng thiếu sophisticated expressions. Paraphrasing limited (delicious được dùng trực tiếp).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix of simple và complex sentences, sử dụng relative clauses (which is…), time clauses (until I could…, when they say…). Tuy nhiên cấu trúc còn repetitive và predictable. Một số lỗi nhỏ về articles có thể xuất hiện khi nói.
Pronunciation	6-7	Được giả định là generally clear với một số Vietnamese accent features, word stress đúng trên các từ quen thuộc, intonation có thể còn flat ở một số chỗ.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points theo thứ tự logic
• ✅ Có ví dụ cụ thể về ingredients và reasons
• ✅ Length phù hợp với band 6-7 (khoảng 1.5-2 phút)
• ✅ Structure rõ ràng, dễ follow

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary chưa sophisticated, nhiều từ basic (very healthy, quite easy, really enjoys)
• ⚠️ Thiếu descriptive language về taste, texture, appearance
• ⚠️ Phần explain chưa sâu, chủ yếu liệt kê reasons mà chưa elaborate feelings hay memories chi tiết
• ⚠️ Grammar structures còn simple và repetitive

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to describe Vietnamese grilled pork vermicelli, or as we call it in Vietnamese, bún chả. It’s a traditional Hanoi dish that consists of charcoal-grilled pork patties served with rice vermicelli noodles and a sweet and tangy dipping broth.

I picked up this recipe during a cooking workshop I attended about two years ago. The instructor was actually a renowned chef from Hanoi who’d been perfecting his technique for decades. What struck me most was how meticulous he was about the marinating process and the importance of getting the right balance of flavors in the dipping sauce. Since then, I’ve been experimenting with the recipe at home and gradually adapted it to suit my family’s taste preferences.

Tương tự như describe a traditional dish in your culture, món này cũng đòi hỏi sự chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng. In terms of ingredients, the pork needs to be marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, honey, garlic, and shallots for at least two hours. You also need fresh herbs like mint, coriander, and Vietnamese perilla leaves, along with pickled vegetables. The signature element is definitely the dipping broth, which requires fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili, all carefully balanced to create that distinctive sweet-sour-savory combination.

What I really love about preparing this dish is the sense of connection it gives me to Vietnamese culinary culture. Every time I fire up the grill and smell that aromatic charcoal smoke, it takes me back to the bustling streets of Hanoi. Beyond the nostalgia though, I genuinely enjoy the hands-on process of grilling the pork to get that perfect caramelized exterior. There’s also something deeply satisfying about seeing my family’s faces light up when they taste it. It’s become our go-to dish for weekend gatherings, and I take real pride in the fact that I can recreate such an authentic Vietnamese experience right in my own kitchen.

Nguyên liệu chuẩn bị món bún chả Việt Nam cho bài thi IELTS Speaking

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation, sử dụng discourse markers sophisticated (What struck me most, In terms of, Beyond the nostalgia though), logical progression of ideas với cohesive devices tự nhiên. Có self-correction nhưng không ảnh hưởng đến flow.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Vocabulary less common và idiomatic (picked up, renowned chef, meticulous, fire up the grill, bustling streets, hands-on process). Collocations precise (balance of flavors, caramelized exterior, authentic experience). Paraphrasing skillful (preparing = making, dish = recipe).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Wide range of complex structures: relative clauses (who’d been perfecting), participles (consisting of, marinated), conditionals implied (to get that perfect…). Majority of sentences error-free với occasional minor slips không ảnh hưởng communication.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear articulation with natural rhythm, appropriate word stress trên multisyllabic words (meticulous, authentic), intonation varied để express enthusiasm và emphasis. Vietnamese accent minimal không gây misunderstanding.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“popular dish”, “quite good at it”, “really enjoys”	“renowned chef”, “meticulous”, “bustling streets”, “caramelized exterior”
Grammar	Simple: “I learned from my mother”	Complex: “The instructor was actually a renowned chef who’d been perfecting his technique for decades”
Ideas	Basic reasons (healthy, easy, family likes)	Deep analysis (cultural connection, sensory details, emotional attachment, pride in skills)

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

The dish I’m particularly fond of preparing is what I’d call a contemporary take on traditional Vietnamese lemongrass chicken. It’s essentially bone-in chicken thighs that have been marinated in an aromatic blend of lemongrass, garlic, chili, and fish sauce, then pan-seared to perfection and finished in the oven. What makes my version somewhat unique is that I incorporate elements from Thai cuisine as well, adding makrut lime leaves and a touch of palm sugar to create a more complex flavor profile.

My journey with this dish actually started quite serendipitously. About four years ago, I was meandering through a local market when I stumbled upon this incredibly fragrant bundle of fresh lemongrass. The vendor, an elderly Vietnamese woman, struck up a conversation and, sensing my enthusiasm, shared her time-honored recipe with me. Over the years, I’ve refined and personalized the dish, drawing inspiration from describe a new or useful skill you learned recently, đặc biệt là kỹ năng về balance và presentation. What began as a simple home-cooked meal has evolved into something that really showcases my culinary philosophy of respecting traditional methods while not being afraid to push boundaries.

Regarding ingredients, I’m quite particular about sourcing quality components. The lemongrass must be freshly pounded to release its essential oils, and I always opt for free-range chicken for its superior flavor and texture. The marinade itself is rather intricate, requiring fish sauce for umami depth, fresh chilies for heat, palm sugar for that characteristic sweet-savory balance, and freshly grated ginger. I also insist on using homemade chicken stock reduced down with makrut lime leaves to create a glaze that coats the chicken during the final roasting phase. The dish is typically accompanied by jasmine rice and a crisp cucumber salad dressed with a lime-based vinaigrette.

What truly captivates me about preparing this dish goes far beyond mere sustenance. There’s an almost meditative quality to the repetitive motions of pounding the lemongrass and preparing the marinade. It’s become my personal form of mindfulness practice. Moreover, this dish represents a tangible connection to my heritage, yet it also embodies my growth as a cook and my willingness to experiment and take risks. When I prepare it, I’m not just following a recipe – I’m engaging in a dialogue between tradition and innovation, between my Vietnamese roots and my contemporary culinary sensibilities.

The most gratifying aspect, however, is the communal experience it facilitates. There’s something profoundly rewarding about watching people’s reactions when they take that first bite – the initial surprise at the unexpected complexity of flavors, followed by that moment of pure enjoyment. It’s become synonymous with celebration in my household. Whether it’s a casual weekend dinner or a more elaborate gathering, this dish never fails to spark conversations and bring people together. In essence, it’s not merely about the food itself, but about the memories we forge and the bonds we strengthen around the dinner table. That’s what keeps me coming back to this particular dish time and time again.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently và coherently với virtually no hesitation. Sophisticated use của discourse markers (What makes… is that, Regarding, Moreover, In essence). Ideas flow naturally với logical progression. Self-correction minimal và natural (not just… but…). Demonstrates ability để maintain extended discourse.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Skilful use của uncommon lexical items (serendipitously, meandering through, time-honored, culinary philosophy, meditative quality, tangible connection, embodies, synonymous with). Wide range của idiomatic expressions (push boundaries, coming back to, spark conversations). Precise collocations (aromatic blend, complex flavor profile, umami depth). Paraphrasing sophisticated throughout.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures với full flexibility. Complex sentences với multiple clauses flow naturally (What began as… has evolved into…, When I prepare it, I’m not just… but…). Advanced structures: cleft sentences (What truly captivates me…), participle phrases, conditionals, passive constructions. Rare minor errors không detract từ overall communication.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Pronunciation precise với sustained appropriate intonation patterns. Word stress accurate across challenging vocabulary. Features như linking và rhythm contribute đến natural delivery. Accent có thể present nhưng không impede understanding ở bất kỳ point nào.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Answer flows naturally như conversational storytelling nhưng vẫn maintains structure
• Uses fillers và discourse markers naturally (actually, essentially, however) để organize thoughts
• Demonstrates ability để develop và extend topics spontaneously
• Shows sophisticated control của pacing và emphasis

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Ví dụ: “contemporary take on” (cách hiện đại hóa món truyền thống) thay vì “modern version” – shows precise, natural expression
• “serendipitously” (một cách tình cờ may mắn) thay vì “by chance” – demonstrates range của synonyms với subtle meaning differences
• “culinary philosophy” (triết lý nấu nướng) – abstract concept showing sophisticated thinking
• “meditative quality” (tính chất thiền định) – connects cooking với deeper psychological experience
• “tangible connection” (kết nối hữu hình) – abstract vocabulary used precisely

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Ví dụ: “What began as a simple home-cooked meal has evolved into something that really showcases my culinary philosophy” – cleft sentence với perfect tenses và relative clause
• “The vendor, sensing my enthusiasm, shared her time-honored recipe” – participle phrase làm giảm wordiness
• “Whether it’s a casual weekend dinner or a more elaborate gathering, this dish never fails to…” – conditional structure showing flexibility
• Mixed tenses naturally (past cho story, present cho general truth, perfect cho experience over time)

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ describe món ăn mà còn explore philosophical dimensions (tradition vs innovation, heritage vs growth)
• Connects cooking với broader themes: mindfulness, cultural identity, community building
• Shows personal growth journey (from learning basic recipe đến developing own style)
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence bằng cách analyzing not just personal enjoyment mà còn social impact của dish
• Concludes với profound insight về food as medium for human connection

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn sau Part 2:

Question 1: Do you cook this dish very often?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, quite often. I usually make it once or twice a month, especially on weekends when I have more free time. My family always requests it.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Not as frequently as I’d like, to be honest. I’d say I prepare it maybe once a fortnight or so, usually when I’m hosting friends or family. It’s the kind of dish that demands undivided attention and a bit of advance planning for the marinade, so I tend to reserve it for occasions when I can really devote myself to the cooking process and savor the experience rather than just rushing through it.

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Question 2: Is it an expensive dish to prepare?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Not really. The ingredients are quite affordable and easy to find. Chicken and vegetables are not expensive in my country, so it’s a good choice for everyday cooking.

Band 8-9 Answer:
It’s relatively affordable, especially if you’re mindful about sourcing. The chicken and basic aromatics like lemongrass and garlic are quite economical at local markets. That said, I do splurge on certain elements – I always opt for free-range chicken, which is considerably pricier than conventional poultry, and I use premium fish sauce, which makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor. So while the baseline ingredients are budget-friendly, the quality upgrades probably push it into the mid-range category in terms of cost.

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IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần thảo luận sâu kéo dài 4-5 phút, trong đó Examiner sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi trừu tượng và phức tạp hơn liên quan đến chủ đề của Part 2. Đây là phần khó nhất vì yêu cầu bạn phải phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá và đưa ra quan điểm có lý lẽ về các vấn đề xã hội rộng lớn hơn.

Để đạt điểm cao trong Part 3, bạn cần mở rộng câu trả lời từ 3-5 câu trở lên, sử dụng discourse markers để organize ideas (Well, Actually, From my perspective…), đưa ra examples từ society hoặc global trends chứ không chỉ personal experience, và thừa nhận complexity của issue bằng cách xem xét nhiều perspectives khác nhau.

Lỗi thường gặp nhất của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 3 là trả lời quá ngắn gọn như Part 1, thiếu phân tích sâu, không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng để support opinion, thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic, và có xu hướng generalize quá mức mà không có evidence hoặc examples cụ thể. Nhiều bạn cũng cảm thấy overwhelmed bởi tính abstract của questions nên dễ bị blank hoặc off-topic.

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Changing Food Culture and Modern Lifestyle

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Question 1: How has the way people prepare food changed in recent decades?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare (past vs present), Change over time
• Key words: “how”, “changed”, “recent decades” – cần so sánh past và present với specific examples
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 major changes → Give reasons for each change → Provide examples → Optional: evaluate whether changes are positive/negative

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Food preparation has changed a lot in recent years. In the past, people cooked everything from scratch, but now many people buy ready-made food or order takeaway. This is because people are busier now and don’t have much time to cook. Also, technology has changed cooking. We have many modern appliances like microwaves and air fryers that make cooking faster and easier. Young people especially prefer convenient food because they don’t learn cooking skills like their parents did.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có comparison (past vs present), identifies changes (ready-made food, technology), gives reason (busy lifestyle)
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng basic (a lot, many people, busier, faster, easier)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates main ideas clearly với some development, nhưng lacks sophistication trong language và depth trong analysis. Examples general chứ không specific.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Well, I think we’ve witnessed quite a dramatic transformation in cooking practices over the past few decades, largely driven by urbanization and technological advancement. Perhaps the most striking change is the shift from labor-intensive, time-consuming preparation to a much more convenience-oriented approach. Whereas previous generations would spend hours meticulously preparing ingredients – you know, grinding spices by hand, slow-cooking broths – today’s cooks increasingly rely on pre-packaged ingredients and semi-prepared components to streamline the process.

This shift is inextricably linked to our modern lifestyle demands. With more people working long hours and facing lengthy commutes, the traditional model of spending significant time in the kitchen has become increasingly impractical. What’s particularly interesting, though, is how technology has democratized cooking to some extent. Kitchen appliances like instant pots and air fryers have made it possible for even novice cooks to produce reasonably sophisticated dishes with minimal effort. Trong bối cảnh này, describe a meal you had in a restaurant recently có thể giúp ta hiểu rõ hơn về xu hướng ăn uống hiện đại.

That said, I’d argue there’s been something of a countercurrent recently, with the rise of food culture and cooking shows sparking renewed interest in artisanal cooking methods and traditional techniques. So it’s not entirely a one-directional change – it’s more of a bifurcation, with some people gravitating toward convenience while others are deliberately choosing to invest time in more elaborate preparation as a form of creative expression or stress relief.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized: Main change → Reasons → Technology impact → Counter-trend → Nuanced conclusion. Shows ability để see multiple perspectives.
• Vocabulary: Precise và sophisticated (dramatic transformation, labor-intensive, meticulously preparing, inextricably linked, democratized, countercurrent, bifurcation, gravitating toward)
• Grammar: Complex structures flow naturally: relative clauses (Whereas previous generations would…), participle phrases (driven by, facing lengthy commutes), cleft sentences (What’s particularly interesting is…)
• Critical Thinking: Shows balanced view (acknowledges convenience trend but also counter-movement), uses tentative language (I’d argue, to some extent), demonstrates awareness of complexity (not entirely one-directional)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well (starter), Whereas (contrast), That said (introducing counter-argument), So (conclusion)
• Tentative language: I think, perhaps, to some extent, I’d argue (shows academic sophistication, không too absolute)
• Abstract nouns: transformation, urbanization, advancement, democratization, expression, bifurcation (elevates discussion level)
• Collocations: dramatic transformation, striking change, lengthy commutes, renewed interest, creative expression

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Question 2: Why do you think cooking shows have become so popular?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause-Effect, Opinion về phenomenon
• Key words: “why”, “become so popular” – cần explain multiple reasons cho popularity
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 reasons → Elaborate each với examples → Consider broader implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Cooking shows are very popular now because people enjoy watching them. I think one reason is that these shows are entertaining. They have competitions and drama that make them exciting to watch. Another reason is that people want to learn new recipes and cooking techniques. Many viewers try to copy the dishes they see on TV. Also, celebrity chefs are famous now, like movie stars, so people watch to see them.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists 3 reasons (entertainment, learning, celebrity) với basic development
• Vocabulary: Simple (very popular, enjoy, exciting, famous) với limited range
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas relevant nhưng development superficial, lacks sophisticated analysis of social trends, examples too general

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

The proliferation of cooking shows is quite fascinating from a sociological perspective, and I believe several factors converge to explain their mass appeal.

First and foremost, these programs have successfully transcended their utilitarian purpose of simply teaching recipes and have become a form of entertainment in their own right. Shows like MasterChef or Hell’s Kitchen incorporate elements of competition, drama, and personal narratives that tap into the same psychological triggers as any successful reality TV format. There’s an inherent tension in watching someone attempt something complex under pressure, and viewers find that compelling regardless of whether they actually cook themselves.

Beyond the entertainment value, I think cooking shows capitalize on a broader cultural shift toward what’s been called “foodie culture.” In an age where dining experiences are meticulously documented on social media and culinary expertise has become a form of social currency, these shows offer viewers a way to vicariously participate in that culture. They’re learning not just recipes but a whole vocabulary and set of aesthetic values around food presentation, ingredient sourcing, and flavor combinations.

There’s also something quite aspirational about these programs. For people living in cramped urban apartments or working demanding jobs that leave little time for elaborate cooking, these shows offer a kind of fantasy escape. Watching someone create something beautiful and delicious in a well-appointed kitchen provides a form of vicarious satisfaction. It’s similar to how home improvement shows became popular – they allow viewers to imagine a different lifestyle, even if they can’t realistically pursue it themselves.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: First and foremost, Beyond that, There’s also (organizing multiple points)
• Tentative language: I believe, I think, quite (academic hedging)
• Abstract nouns: proliferation, perspective, narratives, phenomenon, currency, satisfaction
• Advanced vocabulary: transcended, inherent, compelling, capitalize on, vicariously, aspirational, meticulously

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Theme 2: Health and Nutrition Awareness

Question 1: Do you think people pay more attention to healthy eating nowadays compared to the past?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare (past vs present) + Opinion
• Key words: “pay more attention”, “healthy eating”, “nowadays compared to the past”
• Cách tiếp cận: Give clear position → Compare past attitudes với present → Explain reasons cho change → Provide evidence/examples → Consider exceptions hoặc limitations

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think people are more concerned about healthy eating now. In the past, people didn’t know much about nutrition, but now there is more information available. Many people try to eat less sugar and fat because they know it’s bad for health. Also, there are more organic and healthy food products in supermarkets now. However, some people still eat unhealthy food because it’s cheaper and more convenient.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Direct answer, comparison, reason, example, exception
• Vocabulary: Basic (concerned about, bad for health, cheaper) with limited sophistication
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question adequately với basic development, but lacks depth in analysis và sophisticated language

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Absolutely, I’d say there’s been a quite remarkable shift in health consciousness, though it’s worth noting that this change is somewhat unevenly distributed across different demographic groups and socioeconomic strata.

If we look back just a generation or two, nutritional awareness was fairly limited. People generally operated on fairly rudimentary principles – you know, the basic food pyramid concept – without really understanding the nuances of things like micronutrients, glycemic index, or the long-term implications of certain dietary choices. Fast forward to today, and we’re inundated with nutritional information, sometimes to the point of information overload. There’s been this explosion of dietary philosophies – paleo, keto, intermittent fasting, plant-based eating – each with their devoted adherents and supposed scientific backing.

What’s driving this change, I think, is a confluence of factors. The rise of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease has made the connection between diet and health impossible to ignore. Khi nói về describe a time when you had to use new technology, chúng ta cũng thấy vai trò của công nghệ trong việc theo dõi sức khỏe và dinh dưỡng. Social media has also played a paradoxical role – while it disseminates health information rapidly, it also perpetuates a lot of pseudoscience and fad diets that aren’t evidence-based.

However, I’d caution against overgeneralizing. While the affluent middle class may be obsessing over organic produce and superfoods, many people still face food insecurity or live in food deserts where healthy options are simply inaccessible or prohibitively expensive. So yes, awareness has increased dramatically, but the capacity to act on that awareness remains deeply stratified along economic lines.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear position with qualification → Historical comparison → Multiple reasons → Technological impact → Critical evaluation of inequality → Nuanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated academic style (unevenly distributed, demographic groups, socioeconomic strata, inundated with, confluence of factors, disseminates, perpetuates, prohibitively expensive, stratified)
• Grammar: Complex sentences với multiple clauses, participle phrases, conditional structures flow naturally
• Critical Thinking: Avoids simple yes/no, acknowledges complexity (paradoxical role, caution against overgeneralizing), considers social inequality dimension, uses hedging appropriately

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: If we look back, Fast forward to, However, So
• Tentative language: I’d say, I think, it’s worth noting, somewhat (shows academic sophistication)
• Abstract nouns: consciousness, awareness, implications, adherents, confluence, capacity, inequality
• Collocations: remarkable shift, rudimentary principles, devoted adherents, chronic diseases, food insecurity, food deserts

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Question 2: Should governments regulate what people eat?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion về controversial issue, Should question
• Key words: “should”, “governments regulate” – đây là ethical/political question
• Cách tiếp cận: Present balanced view → Acknowledge both sides → Give personal position với qualifications → Explain reasoning → Consider practical implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

This is a difficult question. I think the government should help people eat healthier, but they shouldn’t control everything. For example, they can put warnings on unhealthy food or teach children about nutrition in schools. But it’s also important that people have freedom to choose what they want to eat. Too much government control is not good. Maybe the best way is to give information and education, not force people.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Acknowledges complexity, gives position, provides examples, considers balance
• Vocabulary: Functional but basic (difficult question, help people, not good, best way)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question appropriately với basic reasoning, but lacks sophisticated argumentation và nuanced analysis of competing values

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

This is quite a contentious issue that really strikes at the heart of debates about individual liberty versus collective welfare. I think the answer requires a fairly nuanced approach rather than a categorical yes or no.

On one hand, there’s a compelling argument for some level of government intervention. We know that poor dietary choices impose enormous costs on public health systems – treating obesity-related diseases, diabetes, heart disease – costs that are ultimately borne by taxpayers. From this perspective, governments have a legitimate interest in incentivizing healthier choices, much as they do with tobacco or alcohol. Soft interventions like nutritional labeling requirements, sugar taxes, or restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children seem reasonably justified as they preserve choice while nudging behavior in healthier directions.

However, I’m deeply skeptical of any measures that veer into outright paternalism. There’s something fundamentally problematic about governments dictating what competent adults can consume. It sets a troubling precedent and opens the door to overreach in other areas of personal life. Where do you draw the line? Do we ban certain foods? Ration portion sizes? These approaches not only infringe on personal freedom but are also likely to be counterproductive, breeding resentment and creating black markets rather than genuinely changing behavior.

I think the most defensible position is what you might call libertarian paternalism – structuring choices to make healthier options more accessible and attractive without eliminating less healthy alternatives altogether. This might include things like subsidizing fresh produce, ensuring underserved neighborhoods have access to quality grocery stores, mandating clearer labeling, and funding public health campaigns. The emphasis should be on empowerment and education rather than coercion. Ultimately, in a free society, people should bear responsibility for their choices, but governments can legitimately play a role in ensuring those choices are truly informed and that structural barriers to healthy eating are dismantled.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Introduces complexity → Arguments for intervention → Arguments against → Nuanced middle position with specific proposals → Philosophical conclusion
• Vocabulary: Advanced academic (contentious issue, categorical, compelling argument, borne by taxpayers, legitimate interest, veer into paternalism, problematic, overreach, infringe on, counterproductive, libertarian paternalism, empowerment, coercion)
• Grammar: Sophisticated structures: rhetorical questions (Where do you draw the line?), conditional implications, parallel structures (not only… but also), complex noun phrases (the most defensible position, structural barriers)
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates philosophical depth (liberty vs welfare debate), considers unintended consequences (black markets, resentment), proposes nuanced middle ground, uses precise political terminology (libertarian paternalism), acknowledges complexity throughout

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: On one hand, However, I think, Ultimately
• Tentative language: fairly nuanced, seem reasonably justified, I’m skeptical, might include (appropriate hedging for controversial topic)
• Abstract nouns: intervention, liberty, welfare, paternalism, precedent, overreach, empowerment, coercion, responsibility
• Advanced collocations: strikes at the heart of, borne by taxpayers, preserve choice, nudging behavior, sets a precedent, opens the door to, bear responsibility

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Theme 3: Cultural Identity and Globalization

Question 1: How important is it to preserve traditional cooking methods?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Evaluate importance, Opinion về cultural preservation
• Key words: “how important”, “preserve”, “traditional cooking methods”
• Cách tiếp cận: State position on importance → Explain reasons (cultural, practical, social) → Consider challenges → Balance với modern reality

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think it’s quite important to keep traditional cooking methods. These methods are part of our culture and history, so we should teach them to young people. If we lose these traditions, we lose our cultural identity. Also, traditional food is often healthier than modern fast food. However, it’s also okay to use new methods if they save time. We need to find a balance between old and new ways.

Phân tích:

• Structure: States position, gives reasons (culture, health), acknowledges practical concerns, suggests balance
• Vocabulary: Adequate but simple (quite important, part of our culture, lose our identity, save time)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question với basic development, but lacks depth in exploring cultural significance và sophisticated vocabulary

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I’d argue it’s profoundly important, though perhaps not in the way people immediately assume. Traditional cooking methods represent far more than just culinary techniques – they’re repositories of cultural knowledge, embodiments of accumulated wisdom about ingredient properties, seasonal rhythms, and flavor combinations that have been refined over centuries.

When we talk about preserving these methods, we’re really talking about maintaining a tangible link to our cultural heritage. Take something like fermentation techniques in Korean kimchi or Japanese miso. These aren’t just cooking methods – they represent a sophisticated understanding of microbiology that predates modern science, encoded in generational knowledge passed down through families. Losing these traditions would be akin to losing a language – it’s an irretrievable loss of human cultural diversity.

That said, I don’t think preservation necessarily means ossifying these methods in museum-like stasis. What’s exciting to me is how contemporary chefs are reinterpreting traditional techniques through a modern lens. When bạn xem xét về việc describe a time when you dealt with a customer complaint, điều này cũng tương tự – quan trọng là giữ tinh thần cốt lõi nhưng vẫn linh hoạt thích nghi. This kind of creative evolution actually keeps traditions alive and relevant rather than letting them become mere artifacts.

The challenge, of course, is that traditional methods are often labor-intensive and time-consuming, which runs counter to modern lifestyle demands. But I think there’s value in maintaining these practices even at a smaller scale – perhaps through culinary schools, cultural preservation programs, or community cooking initiatives. It’s about ensuring the knowledge doesn’t vanish entirely even if it’s not universally practiced. We need both living practitioners who actively engage with these traditions and robust documentation so the knowledge remains accessible to future generations who may want to rediscover it.

Bảo tồn phương pháp nấu ăn truyền thống Việt Nam cho IELTS Speaking Part 3

Phân tích:

• Structure: Strong position with qualification → Cultural significance explained with examples → Modern interpretation perspective → Practical challenges → Proposed solutions for preservation
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated academic (profoundly, repositories, embodiments, accumulated wisdom, tangible link, predates, encoded, irretrievable, ossifying, reinterpreting, artifacts, labor-intensive, robust documentation)
• Grammar: Complex structures flow naturally: cleft sentences (What’s exciting is…), comparative structures (akin to losing), conditional implications, parallel structures
• Critical Thinking: Goes beyond surface-level answer để explore deeper cultural meaning, uses sophisticated analogy (like losing a language), balances tradition với innovation, considers practical implementation, demonstrates nuanced understanding của preservation vs stagnation

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: That said, of course, It’s about (transitioning between ideas)
• Tentative language: I’d argue, perhaps, I think (appropriate hedging)
• Abstract nouns: repositories, embodiments, preservation, heritage, diversity, evolution, artifacts, practitioners, documentation
• Advanced collocations: profoundly important, accumulated wisdom, tangible link, sophisticated understanding, generational knowledge, irretrievable loss, creative evolution, living practitioners

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Question 2: Do you think globalization is destroying local food cultures?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion về complex social phenomenon, Evaluate impact
• Key words: “globalization”, “destroying”, “local food cultures” – emotionally charged question
• Cách tiếp cận: Avoid simplistic answer → Present multiple perspectives → Acknowledge both negative và positive impacts → Give nuanced personal position → Support with examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think globalization has both good and bad effects on local food. On the bad side, many young people now prefer Western fast food like McDonald’s or KFC instead of traditional dishes. This means local restaurants are closing and traditional recipes might be forgotten. On the good side, globalization helps us learn about food from other countries, which is interesting. So it’s not completely destroying local food culture, but it is changing it in some ways.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Balanced approach với both sides, provides examples
• Vocabulary: Basic (good and bad effects, prefer, closing, forgotten, interesting)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses both sides of question, but analysis superficial, lacks sophisticated vocabulary để discuss complex cultural phenomena, examples somewhat clichéd (McDonald’s)

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I think the narrative of globalization destroying local food cultures is somewhat reductive, though there are certainly legitimate concerns embedded in that framing. The reality, as with most complex cultural phenomena, is considerably more nuanced and multifaceted.

There’s no denying that global homogenization poses real threats. When you see the same chain restaurants proliferating in city centers worldwide, or when local establishments are priced out by multinational corporations with greater economies of scale, something authentic is indeed being lost. What’s perhaps more insidious is the commodification of local cuisines – where dishes are stripped of their cultural context and watered down to suit globalized palates, becoming Instagram-friendly caricatures of their original forms. This is what some scholars call “culinary colonialism,” where power dynamics dictate which cultures’ foods are considered exotic and trendy versus which remain marginalized.

However, I’d push back against the notion that this is a unidirectional process of destruction. Globalization has also facilitated unprecedented cross-pollination of culinary traditions. Immigrant communities bring their food cultures with them, enriching the culinary landscapes of their new homes. We’re seeing hybrid cuisines emerge – Korean-Mexican tacos, Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine – that represent genuine creative synthesis rather than cultural loss. Moreover, globalization has paradoxically heightened awareness of regional specialties and artisanal techniques. The slow food movement, for instance, arose precisely as a counterbalance to fast food globalization.

What I find most interesting is how some communities are actively resisting cultural homogenization while still engaging with global influences on their own terms. They’re not passively succumbing to globalization but rather selectively adapting elements that work for them. This suggests a more dynamic, resilient model of cultural evolution rather than simple destruction. The challenge is ensuring that this process happens equitably – that local communities retain agency over their food cultures rather than having changes imposed upon them by external market forces.

Ultimately, I’d say globalization isn’t so much destroying local food cultures as fundamentally transforming the terms of their existence. Whether that transformation skews toward homogenization or diversification depends largely on power dynamics, economic policies, and the degree to which communities can assert control over their culinary narratives.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Challenges simplistic premise → Acknowledges real concerns with specific examples → Presents counter-arguments and positive aspects → Discusses resistance and adaptation → Sophisticated conclusion acknowledging complexity
• Vocabulary: Advanced academic discourse (reductive, embedded in, multifaceted, homogenization, proliferating, insidious, commodification, caricatures, unidirectional, unprecedented cross-pollination, hybrid cuisines, genuine creative synthesis, heightened awareness, equitably, retain agency, fundamentally transforming)
• Grammar: Highly sophisticated: complex conditionals, participle phrases cascading naturally (where dishes are stripped… and watered down… becoming…), sophisticated subordination, passive constructions for academic tone
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates scholarly depth với academic terminology (culinary colonialism, power dynamics), avoids binary thinking, presents dialectical argument (threat BUT also opportunity), considers agency and resistance, acknowledges economic and political dimensions, conclusion sophisticated và tentative rather than absolute

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: However, Moreover, Ultimately, What I find most interesting is
• Tentative language: I think, somewhat, perhaps, I’d say, suggests (appropriate academic hedging for complex social issue)
• Abstract nouns: narrative, homogenization, commodification, synthesis, agency, transformation, diversification, dynamics
• Advanced collocations: legitimate concerns, economies of scale, power dynamics, culinary landscapes, genuine creative synthesis, heightened awareness, retain agency over, assert control

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Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
marinate	v	/ˈmærɪneɪt/	ướp (thịt, cá)	The chicken needs to marinate for at least two hours.	marinate meat/fish, well-marinated, marinating process
aromatic	adj	/ˌærəˈmætɪk/	thơm, có mùi thơm	I love the aromatic smell of lemongrass and ginger.	aromatic herbs, aromatic spices, aromatic blend
charcoal-grilled	adj	/ˈtʃɑːkəʊl ɡrɪld/	nướng than	Charcoal-grilled pork has a distinctive smoky flavor.	charcoal-grilled meat, charcoal-grilled vegetables
glaze	n/v	/ɡleɪz/	nước sốt đặc/phủ nước sốt	The dish is finished with a tangy tamarind glaze.	honey glaze, caramelized glaze, glaze the meat
signature dish	n	/ˈsɪɡnətʃə dɪʃ/	món ăn đặc trưng	This Vietnamese-style salmon has become my signature dish.	chef’s signature dish, restaurant’s signature dish
culinary	adj	/ˈkʌlɪnəri/	thuộc về nấu nướng, ẩm thực	I’m passionate about exploring different culinary traditions.	culinary skills, culinary arts, culinary heritage
from scratch	idiom	/frəm skrætʃ/	từ đầu, tự làm hoàn toàn	I prefer cooking everything from scratch rather than using ready-made ingredients.	cook from scratch, make from scratch, start from scratch
caramelize	v	/ˈkærəməlaɪz/	làm caramel, làm vàng	Grill the pork until it caramelizes on the edges.	caramelized onions, caramelized exterior, caramelize sugar
umami	n	/uːˈmɑːmi/	vị ngon (vị thứ 5)	Fish sauce adds umami depth to the marinade.	umami flavor, umami-rich, umami taste
palate	n	/ˈpælət/	khẩu vị, vị giác	This dish appeals to Western palates.	sophisticated palate, suit one’s palate, develop your palate
tangy	adj	/ˈtæŋi/	vị chua nhẹ, chua thanh	The sauce has a tangy lime flavor.	tangy dressing, tangy taste, slightly tangy
therapeutic	adj	/ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/	có tác dụng chữa bệnh, thư giãn	I find cooking quite therapeutic after a stressful day.	therapeutic effect, therapeutic benefits, therapeutic activity
meticulous	adj	/məˈtɪkjələs/	tỉ mỉ, cẩn thận	The chef is meticulous about ingredient quality.	meticulous preparation, meticulous attention to detail
pan-sear	v	/pæn sɪə/	áp chảo	Pan-sear the chicken until golden brown.	pan-seared meat, pan-seared fish, perfectly pan-seared
free-range	adj	/ˌfriː ˈreɪndʃ/	thả rông, nuôi tự nhiên	I always use free-range chicken for better flavor.	free-range eggs, free-range poultry, free-range meat
elaborate	adj	/ɪˈlæbərət/	công phu, phức tạp	This is quite an elaborate dish that requires careful preparation.	elaborate meal, elaborate preparation, elaborate recipe
experiment with	v phrase	/ɪkˈsperɪmənt wɪð/	thử nghiệm với	I love experimenting with new flavor combinations.	experiment with flavors, experiment with ingredients
distinctive	adj	/dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/	đặc trưng, riêng biệt	The dish has a distinctive smoky aroma.	distinctive flavor, distinctive taste, distinctive aroma
crowd-pleaser	n	/kraʊd ˈpliːzə/	món được nhiều người yêu thích	This recipe is always a crowd-pleaser at parties.	real crowd-pleaser, guaranteed crowd-pleaser
accompaniment	n	/əˈkʌmpənimənt/	món ăn kèm	The fish is served with a cucumber accompaniment.	perfect accompaniment, traditional accompaniment

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
passionate about (something)	say mê, đam mê điều gì	I’m passionate about cooking authentic Vietnamese food.	7.5-9
unwind after a hectic day	thư giãn sau một ngày bận rộn	Cooking helps me unwind after a hectic day at work.	7.5-8
sense of accomplishment	cảm giác hoàn thành, tự hào	There’s a wonderful sense of accomplishment when the dish turns out perfect.	7.5-8
drawn to (something)	bị thu hút bởi	I’m particularly drawn to Asian fusion cuisine.	8-9
fire up the grill	bật lò nướng, bắt đầu nướng	Every weekend, I fire up the grill for family dinners.	7.5-8
hands-on process	quá trình tự tay làm	I enjoy the hands-on process of kneading dough.	7.5-8
go-to dish	món ăn quen thuộc, thường làm	This has become my go-to dish for entertaining guests.	7-8
contemporary take on	cách hiện đại hóa, phiên bản đương đại	My recipe is a contemporary take on traditional pho.	8-9
strike up a conversation	bắt chuyện	The market vendor struck up a conversation about cooking techniques.	7.5-8
time-honored recipe	công thức lâu đời, truyền thống	She shared her time-honored recipe for spring rolls.	8-9
push boundaries	vượt ra khỏi giới hạn, đổi mới	I like to push boundaries by combining different cuisines.	8-9
engage in a dialogue	tham gia vào cuộc đối thoại	My cooking engages in a dialogue between tradition and innovation.	8.5-9
spark conversations	khơi mào cuộc trò chuyện	Good food always sparks interesting conversations at the table.	7.5-8
bring people together	gắn kết mọi người	Cooking brings people together in a meaningful way.	7-8

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi bạn cần vài giây suy nghĩ trước khi trả lời
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi nói thật và thẳng thắn về quan điểm
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách mềm mại để đưa ra ý kiến cá nhân
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là quan điểm cá nhân

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, hơn thế nữa
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, thêm nữa
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, chưa nói đến
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Ngoài ra, xa hơn thế
• 📝 Moreover,… – Hơn nữa (formal hơn)

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác…
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng ta cũng cần xem xét…
• 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, dù vậy thì
• 📝 Having said that,… – Nói như vậy nhưng mà

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, nói chung
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, suy cho cùng
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, về căn bản
• 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất, về cơ bản

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If I hadn’t learned this recipe from my mother, I wouldn’t be able to share this tradition with my own children now.”
• Inversion: “Had I known how therapeutic cooking could be, I would have started learning much earlier.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining: “This dish, which has become my signature recipe, represents a blend of tradition and innovation.”
• Reduced relative clause: “The ingredients used in this recipe are all locally sourced.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that… “It is widely believed that home-cooked meals are healthier than restaurant food.”
• Advanced passive: “The chicken needs to be marinated overnight to fully absorb the flavors.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most…, is… “What I find most rewarding about cooking is the creative process.”
• The thing that…, is… “The thing that really sets this dish apart is the homemade marinade.”
• It’s… that… “It’s the quality of ingredients that makes the biggest difference.”

5. Participle Phrases:

• Present participle: “Having learned from a master chef, I understand the importance of technique.”
• Past participle: “Prepared with care, this dish becomes truly exceptional.”

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

• Not only… but also… “Not only does cooking save money, but it also provides a creative outlet.”
• Rarely/Seldom… “Rarely do I find a dish that combines health and flavor so perfectly.”

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Bài viết này đã cung cấp một hướng dẫn toàn diện về cách trả lời chủ đề “describe a dish you like to prepare” trong IELTS Speaking. Từ các câu hỏi Part 1 đơn giản đến thảo luận sâu trong Part 3, bạn đã thấy sự khác biệt rõ rệt giữa các band điểm và cách áp dụng từ vựng, cấu trúc ngữ pháp phù hợp.

Điều quan trọng nhất là hãy luyện tập thường xuyên, ghi âm câu trả lời của mình để tự đánh giá, và không ngừng mở rộng vốn từ vựng về chủ đề food and cooking. Hãy nhớ rằng, Examiner không chỉ đánh giá khả năng ngôn ngữ mà còn đánh giá khả năng phát triển ý tưởng, tư duy phản biện và cách bạn thể hiện bản thân một cách tự nhiên và tự tin.

Chúc bạn đạt band điểm cao trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking sắp tới!